Small plates specialty of new Downtown Veritas

The restaurant, known for its upscale fare and hand-crafted cocktails, has opened Downtown at 11 W. Gay St.

Josh Dalton, chef and founder of the original Veritas Tavern in Delaware, snatched up the opportunity to move operations to the heart of Columbus, said his assistant, Meghan McNeil.

“As we did our research on the development of Downtown, we knew it was something we wanted to be part of,” McNeil said.

“There are some key people making the expansion of Downtown a reality, and it’s clear that as it continues to grow and become more populated, this will absolutely be the place to be,” she said. “And what better place to grow than the heart of Downtown?”

Dalton, known for his artful presentations and new-age cooking, serves a menu of small plates and appetizers, priced between $6 and $18.

Among the choices: hush puppies with sour-corn aioli; gnocchi with deep-sea crab, spinach and truffles; and bacon risotto with a soft poached egg, white cheddar and a biscuit. Desserts also are served. Be aware, though: the menu changes frequently.

Dalton opened Veritas Tavern five years ago on 15 E. Winter St. in Delaware. The last dinner service was on Nov. 4. "Tavern" was dropped from the name as part of the move.

Dinner hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The upstairs lounge is open 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.